Role of rumen protozoa in nitrogen digestion in sheep given two isonitrogenous diets

1. The effect of protozoa on digestion in the rumen was studied using either defaunated or faunated sheep. 2. Six wethers, each fitted with rumen and simple duodenal cannulas, were given two isonitrogenous diets containing either lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay (diet L) or sodium hydroxide-treated wheat straw (diet S). The diets were given in eight equal portions per day at 3-h intervals. The mean intake of dry matter, 53 g/kg body-weight0.75 per d, was similar for the two diets and each diet had a similar digestible organic matter content. Diet L promoted a large protozoal population and was rich in nitrogen sources of low rumen-degradability, while diet S supported a smaller protozoal population and was rich in rumen-degradable N. 3. Digesta flow at the duodenum was estimated by means of a dual-marker technique using chromium-mordanted lucerne hay and polyethylene glycol as markers. The microbial flow at the duodenum was estimated using diaminopimelic acid (DAPA), nucleic-acid purine bases (PB) and 35S incorporation simultaneously. The different microbial markers were compared in the defaunated sheep. Protozoal N contribution was estimated in faunated sheep. 4. Defaunated sheep had lower rumen ammonia concentrations and molar proportions of butyric acid than faunated sheep, but they had higher molar proportions of propionic acid. 5. Rumen organic matter digestion was reduced by defaunation, but this decrease was compensated for by increased intestinal digestion. 6. There was a net increase of N flow (approximately 10 g/d) between mouth and duodenum in defaunated sheep. This was explained by increases in both microbial and dietary N flows from the rumen compared with faunated sheep. 7. The influence of protozoa on solid- and liquid-phase retention times in the rumen is discussed, as well as the protozoal contribution to microbial N flow in the duodenum of faunated sheep.